Enda Kenny
Question:118 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is intended to hold a referendum on the Partnership for Peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17811/01]
Written Answers. - Partnership for Peace.
Following the approval of this House, Ireland has participated in Partnership for Peace and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council since December 1999. Our participation has been on the basis of our Presentation Document, the terms of which were also approved by Dáil Éireann. Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace is fully consistent with our approach to European security. PfP provides an important framework for discussions on the UN-mandated, NATO-led peacekeeping forces in the Balkans to which Ireland is contributing. We have recently finalised our individual partnership programme, IPP, for PfP which reflects the priorities set out in our PfP Presentation Document. The text of the IPP has been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Attorney General advised that there is no legal requirement for a referendum on Partnership for Peace. Also, participation in Partnership for Peace has no implications for our policy of military neutrality. I do not believe, therefore, that a referendum on this matter is either required or appropriate.
I reiterate that the Government has made clear that the consent of the people, in a referendum, would be required if the issue of entering a military alliance involving a collective or mutual defence obligation were ever to arise in the future. There are of course no such obligations involved in participation in Partnership for Peace.
Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 79.